Russian icon, 19th century.

Russian icon, 19th century.
"Mother of God Kazanskaya".
Tempera on wood.
It presents faults in the wood and in the painting. It presents wear. It needs restoration.
Measurements: 49 x 39 cm.
The icon of Our Lady of Kazan is the most venerated Marian invocation by the Russian Orthodox. The representation that occupies us follows orthodox models but is slightly softened with respect to symmetry, frontality and sacred elements such as nimbuses and gilding. The chromatism is intense and contrasted. Red and blue are symbolic colors, referring to the Passion and Purity, respectively. The features are harmonic and outlined. This invocation has its origins in the 16th century. It represents the Virgin Mary as patroness and protector of the city of Kazan. There are several copies and Orthodox churches dedicated to the Virgin of Kazan both in Russia and in the rest of the world. In Russia there are two large cathedrals dedicated to her: the Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg and the Kazan Cathedral in Moscow.